Vibration Reduction Rib for Control Module Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Control module housings face challenges in securing electronics within vehicles, particularly in preventing damage from environmental factors like heat, moisture, motion, vibration, and mechanical shock, which can lead to malfunction and unwanted noise.
Innovation Solution
A housing unit with a first connection member featuring a flex rib and an abuse protection rib is attached to an adapter member, allowing the second connection member to swing into position and snap into the adapter member opening, providing a vibration-resistant and shock-absorbing fit that maintains stability over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a control module housing is mounted to moving parts or non-moving parts of a vehicle, then the housing can be securely attached to the vehicle structure, but vibration and dynamic stress factors can damage control electronics contained therein
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating flex ribs and abuse protection ribs into the connection members before assembly. These ribs are pre-configured to flex and absorb vibration and dynamic stress, cushioning the electronics from damage before harmful forces can reach them. The flex ribs are designed to deform elastically under stress, providing proactive protection rather than reactive mitigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes flexible shells and thin films through the implementation of flex ribs made from elastomeric or polymeric materials. These flexible elements form part of the connection structure, allowing the housing to be securely mounted while the flexible ribs absorb vibrational energy and dynamic stresses, preventing transmission of harmful forces to the electronics.
2Reliability
If the housing is designed to prevent motion including vibration, then damage to control electronics is reduced, but the module may rattle against the mounting plate causing unwanted noise
Solution Approach 1:
The flex ribs provide beforehand cushioning that prevents both excessive motion and rattling. By being pre-configured with appropriate flexibility, the ribs allow controlled movement to accommodate thermal expansion and assembly tolerances while simultaneously damping vibrations that would cause rattling noise, thus preventing both types of harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting materials with specific elastomeric or polymeric properties that provide optimal flexibility and damping characteristics. The ribs are designed with specific geometric parameters (thickness, length, cross-section) that determine their flexural stiffness, allowing them to filter out high-frequency vibrations that cause noise while maintaining enough compliance to prevent stress concentration.
3Strength
If mechanical shock is applied to the adapter member, then the housing can be securely attached, but the shock may damage electronic components inside the module
Solution Approach 1:
The abuse protection ribs provide beforehand cushioning specifically designed to protect against mechanical shock. These ribs are positioned and dimensioned to absorb impact forces during installation or from external shocks, reducing the transmission of shock loads to the electronics. The elastomeric material properties enable energy absorption through elastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining rigid housing materials with elastomeric or polymeric flex rib materials. This composite construction allows the rigid portions to provide structural strength for secure attachment while the elastomeric portions provide shock absorption and vibration damping, creating a multi-functional connection system that addresses both strength and shock protection requirements.
4Reliability
If flex ribs are used to cushion shock inside the module, then damage to electronic components is reduced, but the connection structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the flex ribs and abuse protection ribs directly into the connection members as integral features, rather than adding them as separate components. This merging of functions (structural connection + shock absorption + vibration damping) into unified elements simplifies the overall assembly process and reduces the number of parts, offsetting the increased complexity of the rib geometries themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of flexible shells and thin films in the form of elastomeric or polymeric ribs provides an elegant solution that protects electronics without requiring complex mechanical shock absorption mechanisms. The flexible material properties enable sophisticated shock and vibration management through material behavior rather than complex structural arrangements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents damage to electronic components by maintaining a tight, vibration-resistant fit and reducing noise, ensuring the control modules function reliably and quietly over extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
When a mechanical shock is applied to the adapter member, flex ribs may cushion the shock inside the module, reducing the chance of damage to electronic components.
Implementation Method 2
The first connection member includes a flex rib and an abuse protection rib... providing a vibration-resistant and shock-absorbing fit
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for connecting a housing unit for an electronics module to an adapter member are disclosed. The method includes providing a housing with a first connection member and a second connection member, wherein the first connection member includes a flex rib and an abuse protection rib, attaching the first connection member to an adapter member, pivoting the housing on the first connection member to allow the second connection member to swing into position, and snapping the second connection member into the adapter member at an adapter member opening.